Zoo designer – intermediate to senior landscape architect/designer
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Coeur D Alene, ID, United States
groundcubed
Founded in 2011, groundcubed is a design-centered practice that is thoughtful, creative, and accepts challenges with vigor. At the intersection of imagination and intention, groundcubed brings bold visions to life across natural and built environments. Our approach to landscape architecture, urban design and planning is rooted in curiosity and collaboration ― and we thrive alongside like-minded creators with ambitious ideas.
We offer a full complement of zoo design, interpretive planning, and master planning services, alongside our landscape architecture, urban design and planning services. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada, with studios in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and across western Canada, we are a strong design partner for zoos and aquariums that truly understands the unique opportunities presented by designing in northern climates. Corporate members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of animal wellbeing in our zoological practice.
groundcubed is deeply passionate about spaces that connect people to nature. We respect the role of zoological institutions to engage visitors with wildlife and inspire lifelong appreciation and conservation of the natural world. Uniquely positioned as the only zoological design practice based in Canada, we are looking to grow our team of designers, planners, and zoological experts. This role will be initially based out of our Idaho studio, with opportunity to relocate to our Canadian studios in future.
our philosophy
We believe in creating high-quality public spaces and zoological facilities that foster connection, recreation, community-building, tourism, and engagement, while ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing.
our approach
We promote the consideration of spaces over time: how space is used today, and how it might be used tomorrow. We understand the practical considerations of a zoological facility, which include achieving high animal wellbeing while operating efficiently and optimizing guest experiences. We also understand the need to design for all stages of an animal’s life cycle from neonate to geriatric, create spaces that encourage natural behaviours, and allow for flexibility as protocols, standards, and best practices evolve. We understand the local context, climate and cultural influences, and logistical requirements and constraints on northern climate zoological projects.
what we need
Our rapidly growing zoo and aquarium portfolio includes habitat, exhibit, and public realm design at facilities primarily in Canada but with future US-based growth plans. We work with a large variety of species and at all scales and stages of the project lifecycle. We are looking for an experienced zoo designer who brings depth and breadth of experience at different sized facilities and across taxa, and who understands the unique requirements of designing in the zoo environment. This role may also work on other types of landscape architecture and urban design projects including parks, trails, and cultural landscapes. Based in Coeur d’Alene, ID, this role will support expansion and growth of our Pacific Northwest studio along with growth in our zoological practice.
what you bring
ABachelor or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Diploma/Associate’s Degree in Landscape Architectural Technology or equivalent
5-10 years of experience working on zoological, cultural, or trail, thematic design projects at all stages of the project lifecycle including planning, concept/schematic design, detailed design, construction documents, and contract administration.
Technical expertise in detailing of animal management systems including cage work, slides and transfers, and containment including fences, moats, glazing and artificial rockwork.
Experience working in a zoo setting in animal management, conservation, or interpretation is an asset.
A solid understanding of landscape construction methods and materials, construction document preparation and planning processes.
High proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suites, and 3D rendering software. Proficiency in Revit and BIM collaborative tools is preferred.
Entrepreneurial energy and excitement about mentorship, contributing to a growing business and contributing to an expanding zoo design portfolio.
A mix of creative and technical skills, with strong verbal and written communication, collaborative mindset, and passion for this work.
Desire to make positive contributions to business development, our team, and the ability to work independently and in a group setting.
The position may require work on projects located outside of the United States. Comfort with regular virtual meetings and ability to learn both metric and imperial systems is required.
A valid driver’s license and passport (or ability to obtain a passport) is required. This position may include travel across Canada and the United States.
You likedogs andhaving fun!
what we offer
Health benefits, professional development support and competitive salary based on experience and fit
A diverse workforce and highly varied range of projects to collaborate on
An opportunity to contribute to business development and growth of our company
Flexible work options and a fun work culture
Experience Required 5-10 years, negotiable based on experience
How to Apply email curious@groundcubed.com with a resume or portfolio.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We offer a full complement of zoo design, interpretive planning, and master planning services, alongside our landscape architecture, urban design and planning services. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada, with studios in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and across western Canada, we are a strong design partner for zoos and aquariums that truly understands the unique opportunities presented by designing in northern climates. Corporate members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of animal wellbeing in our zoological practice.
groundcubed is deeply passionate about spaces that connect people to nature. We respect the role of zoological institutions to engage visitors with wildlife and inspire lifelong appreciation and conservation of the natural world. Uniquely positioned as the only zoological design practice based in Canada, we are looking to grow our team of designers, planners, and zoological experts. This role will be initially based out of our Idaho studio, with opportunity to relocate to our Canadian studios in future.
our philosophy
We believe in creating high-quality public spaces and zoological facilities that foster connection, recreation, community-building, tourism, and engagement, while ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing.
our approach
We promote the consideration of spaces over time: how space is used today, and how it might be used tomorrow. We understand the practical considerations of a zoological facility, which include achieving high animal wellbeing while operating efficiently and optimizing guest experiences. We also understand the need to design for all stages of an animal’s life cycle from neonate to geriatric, create spaces that encourage natural behaviours, and allow for flexibility as protocols, standards, and best practices evolve. We understand the local context, climate and cultural influences, and logistical requirements and constraints on northern climate zoological projects.
what we need
Our rapidly growing zoo and aquarium portfolio includes habitat, exhibit, and public realm design at facilities primarily in Canada but with future US-based growth plans. We work with a large variety of species and at all scales and stages of the project lifecycle. We are looking for an experienced zoo designer who brings depth and breadth of experience at different sized facilities and across taxa, and who understands the unique requirements of designing in the zoo environment. This role may also work on other types of landscape architecture and urban design projects including parks, trails, and cultural landscapes. Based in Coeur d’Alene, ID, this role will support expansion and growth of our Pacific Northwest studio along with growth in our zoological practice.
what you bring
ABachelor or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Diploma/Associate’s Degree in Landscape Architectural Technology or equivalent
5-10 years of experience working on zoological, cultural, or trail, thematic design projects at all stages of the project lifecycle including planning, concept/schematic design, detailed design, construction documents, and contract administration.
Technical expertise in detailing of animal management systems including cage work, slides and transfers, and containment including fences, moats, glazing and artificial rockwork.
Experience working in a zoo setting in animal management, conservation, or interpretation is an asset.
A solid understanding of landscape construction methods and materials, construction document preparation and planning processes.
High proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suites, and 3D rendering software. Proficiency in Revit and BIM collaborative tools is preferred.
Entrepreneurial energy and excitement about mentorship, contributing to a growing business and contributing to an expanding zoo design portfolio.
A mix of creative and technical skills, with strong verbal and written communication, collaborative mindset, and passion for this work.
Desire to make positive contributions to business development, our team, and the ability to work independently and in a group setting.
The position may require work on projects located outside of the United States. Comfort with regular virtual meetings and ability to learn both metric and imperial systems is required.
A valid driver’s license and passport (or ability to obtain a passport) is required. This position may include travel across Canada and the United States.
You likedogs andhaving fun!
what we offer
Health benefits, professional development support and competitive salary based on experience and fit
A diverse workforce and highly varied range of projects to collaborate on
An opportunity to contribute to business development and growth of our company
Flexible work options and a fun work culture
Experience Required 5-10 years, negotiable based on experience
How to Apply email curious@groundcubed.com with a resume or portfolio.
#J-18808-Ljbffr